My friends and family consider me to be a little type A when it comes to personality traits, but the truth is, I like to perfect things in my life…like when I put up my holiday lights every year. Here are my tried and true tips that will ensure your own form of perfection!
Start with your measuring tape. Trying to guess when you are at the store is a recipe for failure! First, measure the length of the front of the house. This number is the amount of feet you need for the lights under the eaves. Multiply this number by the amount of stories that you want to light. Some homes have dormers over the windows on the second story; if that’s you, then include an additional 8 feet of lights per peak. If you want to light around windows, you need to measure the height and the width, then double that number. Do the same for around doors, along hand rails or anywhere else you want light.
Here are a few quick tips for hanging those lights:
1. When lighting windows – Always start in the bottom corner closest to your power source because when you light a square or rectangle, you always finish where you start. When you’re all attached, your plug will be right where you need it.
2. Don’t forget to check the box before you buy it for the ‘Lighted Length’ vs. the ‘Total Length’. The lighted length is the number you are looking for
3. Even if your string of lights has most of the bulbs working, make sure you replace all of the burned out lights. When one light burns out, the others on the same string carry the extra electric load, which means they will burn out faster as well.
If all of this sounds a little scary, then go get a projection light. They couldn’t be easier. One unit in the ground at the front of your house and you are done. Instant lights all over the front of your house!
Don’t wait though, last year the projection lights all sold out in record time, and it looks like they will be going fast again.
RELATED: Festive Front Door Ideas for the Holidays
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